The Five Easy Steps of Restoring Your Smile with Dental Implants

For many years, bridges and dentures were the only options for replacing teeth. However, in the mid-1960s, dental implants came onto the scene, and their popularity has been growing ever since. Dentists and patients love dental implants because they are permanent, life-looking, stable, and more.

But what does it take to place an implant? Here’s what you can expect.

1. Consultation and treatment planning: Your treatment starts with a consultation with Dr. Shahrokh. We’ll examine your oral health, medical history, etc., to ensure you are eligible for implants. Potential implant users must have a healthy jawbone to support a 6-15mm titanium post. Otherwise, you’ll need bone grafting to rebuild your jawbone. After your consultation, we’ll plan your treatment to determine where and how to place your implants. Like every successful project, precise implant planning is the key to successful outcomes. 
2. Implant surgery: The doctor places a “tissue-friendly” titanium post at a precise location in the jawbone. Implant surgery is an intricate procedure. The dentist must place the titanium post at an optimal angle, depth, and position for durable and functional results. Although the dental implant procedure is surgical, you have nothing to worry about. The dentist uses highly effective pain management techniques for a painless dental experience.
3. Healing and fusion: Over the next few months, the gum tissues will heal, and the titanium post will fuse with the jawbone to form an unbreakable union. After osseointegration, your implant will be stable enough to support one or more replacement teeth.
4. Abutment placement: Once the implants heal, you’ll return to the office for abutment placement. This minor surgery involves opening up your gums to reveal the underlying implant. Then, the dentist will attach a small metal connector to your implant, which protrudes above the gum line to link with the prosthetic teeth.
5. Implant restoration: Yay! The most exciting phase of your implant procedure. The dentist will restore your implant(s) with a customized, natural-looking restoration. Your new tooth will look, feel, and work just like the tooth you lost. 

Our office works with several insurance providers, and we always help you maximize your coverage. However, we understand not everyone has insurance to get the treatment they deserve. Don’t have insurance? No problem! Our office believes everyone deserves a beautiful, confident smile. We have partnered with Cherry, Lending Club, CareCredit, and Alphaeon to manage your treatment costs with flexible monthly payments. We also have an in-house dental membership plan that allows you to enjoy at least 10% off your dental implant cost.